Rabun Bald

Why you should be excited

Rabun Bald is a classic old southern U.S. apple that was revered in Clayton, Georgia but otherwise unknown.

The story of Rabun Bald

If you happened by Clayton, Georgia shortly before 1910, there's a good chance you'd bump into an orchard growing Rabun Bald, a much-respected apple discovered in the area growing wild about 15 years earlier.

By 1906, more than 2,000 Rabun Bald trees -- named for Georgia's second-tallest mountain -- were planted in the area, as it was widely praised as a fresh-eating apple. But -- like so many other varieties in those days -- this was entirely a local phenomenon; nobody outside of the Clayton area knew about Rabun Bald, let alone grew it.

Unsurprisingly, the variety eventually faded in popularity and by the 1990s, apple hunter Lee Calhoun concluded that it was extinct.

Good news: it wasn't.

Rabun Bald Facts

Its origins

Discovered near Clayton, Georgia, USA, around 1890.

Flavour, aroma, texture

The yellowish flesh of this excellent fresh-eating apple is fine-grained, juicy and mildly subacid.

Appearance

This large apple is roundish, with a rich yellow-coloured skin, splashed and striped with crimson.

When they’re available

Late season (usually in late October).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Keeping ability

We'll let you know when we find out.